automatic transmission failure question

wrote:
> I have a 97 Honda Accord with 280K. <snip> Is there much of a chance that this problem
> would require a repair that doesnt involve replacing the entire
> automatic transmission?

Well, did you even check the fluid level? Or the linkage?

If you checked the fluid and linkage and they're OK, I guess there's
still a *chance* that the transmission isn't gone... But on a 97 HONDA?
with 280k on an automatic? That chance is a near-perfect approximation
to "zero."

A good option to get a little more value out of the car (whether you
keep it or sell it) would be a low-mileage automatic from a wrecking
yard. If you sell it as-is, you're selling so much scrap and you'll get
essentially nothing for it.